Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Simulated on 08/03/2008 15:07:44

Title: What is this white thing in my fingernail?
Post by: Simulated on 08/03/2008 15:07:44

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs319%2FKraneDiggity%2FTNS%2F0308081000.jpg&hash=f3305fb8fe36015383974cd12e84db30)

Purdy ain't it? Of corse it is. What is it called? I've always heard they appear when you bang your finger against something. Is that true?

How long do they normally take to get off of there? I've hadda few and they do move up and "out" slowly. This ones taking forever

Can they happen at differnt spots within the fingernail? This one came and it was like all the way from the bottom.

Thanks Sim :)

Title: What is this white thing in my fingernail?
Post by: paul1987 on 12/03/2008 23:18:45

Hi.

The white spots on your fingernails are most likely to be caused by a mild zinc deficiency which can be easily corrected by taking a dietary supplement. Zinc is relatively safe and non-toxic so sensible levels of supplementation should do you no harm. Try taking zinc supplements daily which can be bought from pharmacies (zinc sulphate) It it may take several weeks before any improvement is seen but you will get there.

Title: What is this white thing in my fingernail?
Post by: Simulated on 13/03/2008 01:04:35

Thanks, so why does it seem to move outta the fingernail?

Title: What is this white thing in my fingernail?
Post by: Make it Lady on 13/03/2008 11:32:22

Because as the nail was made you didn't have enough zinc to make a normal pretty nail but after, your body found some and made normal nail below it. The defect grows out. If you have spells on not enough zinc, you will get more white bits coming through.
I was always told they were calcium spots. (lack of) Not sure I'm right though as sometimes these are old wives tales.

Title: What is this white thing in my fingernail?
Post by: Simulated on 15/03/2008 10:48:13

Ohhhh I see. Derrr ha